How to Set Up a WordPress Cron Job from Your Server

Why Replace WordPress’s Built-In Cron (WP-Cron)?

By default, WordPress uses WP-Cron, a “virtual cron” that only runs when someone visits your site. This can lead to:

• Missed or delayed scheduled posts or emails.
• Inefficient performance on high-traffic sites.

A real server cron job is more reliable and runs on a fixed schedule, even when your site has no visitors.

Step 1: Disable WP-Cron in WordPress

You need to stop WordPress from running its default wp-cron.php on every page load.

1. Open your site’s wp-config.php file (located in the root of your WordPress installation).
2. Add the following line above the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! */:

define('DISABLE_WP_CRON', true);

Save the file.

Step 2: Set Up the Cron Job on Your Server

This depends on your hosting environment.

A. If You’re Using cPanel

1. Log in to your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel).
2. Look for Cron Jobs (usually under the Advanced section).
3. Click Add New Cron Job.

Set the schedule (e.g., every 5 minutes):

*/5 * * * *

Add this command (replace example.com with your actual domain):

wget -q -O - https://example.com/wp-cron.php?doing_wp_cron > /dev/null 2>&1

This command tells the server to silently call the WP-Cron file every 5 minutes.

4. Click Add New Cron Job.

B. If You’re Using SSH or a VPS (Advanced)

1. SSH into your server.
2. Open your crontab with:

crontab -e

3. Add this line to run WP-Cron every 5 minutes:

*/5 * * * * wget -q -O - https://example.com/wp-cron.php?doing_wp_cron > /dev/null 2>&1

Save and exit.

Optional: Using curl Instead of wget

If wget is not available, you can use curl:

*/5 * * * * curl -s https://example.com/wp-cron.php?doing_wp_cron > /dev/null 2>&1

Test your cron job by visiting the wp-cron.php URL in your browser to confirm it runs without errors.
For better reliability, avoid running it too frequently—every 5 or 10 minutes is a good balance.
Make sure your site’s .htaccess or firewall doesn’t block requests to wp-cron.php.

You’ve now disabled WP-Cron and replaced it with a real, server-based cron job. Your scheduled tasks in WordPress—like emails (including MailerPress), automatic updates, or plugin actions—will now run reliably and on time.